Pacquiao: The Door Is Not Closed On Freddie Roach

While not confirming he will not be using Freddie Roach for his WBA welterweight title fight against Lucas Matthysse, Manny Pacquiao inferred as much at a press conference on Wednesday.

“First, I would like to clarify about that issue with Freddie Roach,” the 39-year-old told reporters Wednesday.

“Freddie and I… we’re like a close family, and I didn’t make any decision yet about Freddie Roach, but if, assuming, I will make a decision about Freddie Roach and choose Buboy Fernandez as head coach for this fight, I’m still not closing the door with Freddie.”

“We just want to try and experience how Buboy will handle this one fight and after that we go back to Freddie,” said Pacquiao, who last fought in a unanimous points loss to Australian Jeff Horn in July last year.

Matthysse, who won the then vacant WBA welterweight title in January, against Tewa Kiram, claimed he would defend his title until he died.

“Sure, you know, Manny’s won so many titles. He’s done so much in boxing. I’ve only won one title and I’m not going to give it up. I’ll die for it if I have to.

“He’s had a great history in boxing and this is my time, this is my time, and I’m going to defend this title until death,” added the 35-year-old.